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How to install a Built in Wine Cooler
Having an effective and aesthetic-looking system to store your wine collection is essential for all wine lovers.
A built-in wine cooler is designed to blend seamlessly in between cabinets and kitchen islands. They can elevate a space and give a classy expensive look whilst also keeping your wine collection cool.
So, we will guide you through the correct way you can install your wine cooler at home and showcase your wine keeping the bottles extra fresh.
How Do Ventilation Systems Work?
Wine fridges have ventilation systems that are designed to expel any warm air that can be accumulated from the power supply.
These units have fans on the underside and a grille to the front, this allows cool air to be drawn in to enable the cooling process.
Warmer air is expelled via another fan or out of the small gaps in the sides depending on the size of the unit.
Having a poor ventilation system can lead to the cool air not circulating properly within the fridge which will cause uneven temperatures.
This can also lead to extra energy consumption, as the fridge will be using more energy as it works harder to try and regulate the temperature.
What to Consider
When installing a wine cooler, ensure that you are storing it in the proper environment. Store it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, as this can affect the temperature of your wine cooler.
Consider how much space you need and use a tape measure to make sure there is enough space for your wine fridge to sit and also room for the ventilation system to do its job properly and keep the air circulating.
This is why you must research and choose the best quality wine fridge and look at reviews from others to find recommendations.
Built-in wine coolers also require a minimum of 0.5-1cm of breathing space to the rear of the unit to allow for the necessary airflow, but also to ensure that the unit is not touching the rear wall/cupboard as this may cause unwanted vibrations.
This type of unit can also be utilised as a freestanding unit as it sits on the floor. An example of how a built-in wine cooler should be installed can be viewed below:
What Sizes Do Built-in Wine Coolers Come In?
Built-in wine coolers that are narrower, for example, 15cm, 30cm and 40cm wine coolers require a minimum of 0.25cm ventilation space around the sides to allow warm air to dissipate.
If you fail to give your wine cooler the required ventilation space, it can cause problems with the cooling system and can void the manufacturer's warranty.
Thinner units, below 600mm in width should not be 'fully integrated', meaning to have a kitchen cabinet door in front of the wine cooler door.
This is because the ventilation to the sides and above the unit will be blocked. Since there is only one fan located on the underside of the thinner built-in units, the necessary airflow will be blocked if the sides are blocked.
Where Is the Best Place to Install My Wine Cooler?
It is best that you install your wine cooler in an area like your kitchen, dining room or garage as these areas will maintain a good steady temperature.
Make sure you are not installing your wine cooler on the carpet. In the rare event of your wine cooler leaking, you don't want water damage to your carpet.
An area of the kitchen is the usual place where you will find a wine cooler - however, if you have an at-home bar, you may consider placing it in there to give it a more elevated look.
How to Install My Wine Cooler
Installing your wine cooler is easier than you think:
What You Need
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Wine cooler manual
Step by Step
- First, you should check your power source and make sure your wine cooler is within reach of one. Avoid using an extension cord.
- Make sure you have measured the space you want to place your wine cooler and leave enough room on either side for ventilation. Make sure that the doors can be opened too.
- Plug your wine cooler in the space you have measured, but don't switch the plug on yet.
- Use your screwdriver to attach your mounting plates.
- Use your spirit level to ensure that the cooler is straight and the shelves inside are level, so that the wine doesn't roll around once inside.
- Now, leave the cooler to stand for a few hours so that the coolant inside can settle before switching it on.
Looking to Upgrade Your Wine Fridge? Elite Wine Refrigeration Can Help
Here at Elite Wine Refrigeration, we have a large selection of built-in wine coolers for you to choose from on our website.
We have a variety of sizes and styles to fit everybody's budget. So if you are looking for your first wine fridge or to upgrade and treat yourself to a new wine cooler, we can help! Get in touch today and we will answer all of your questions.